The Ultimate GERD Diagnostic Tests Quiz

If you are over 50 years of age, have had GERD symptoms for five years or longer, have uncommon or concerning GERD symptoms, or your GERD symptoms do not dissipate with medication, your doctor may order further diagnostic tests. Learn about esophageal acid testing, barium swallow, Bernstein test and upper GI endoscopy, by taking this quiz.

Start Quiz »

You scored

0 out of 15

Question 1 of 15

What is the purpose of GERD diagnostic tests?

to determine esophageal damage

There are several diagnostic tests related to GERD. Most of these tests assess the damage done to your esophagus as a result of acid reflux.

to determine the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter

both of the above

Question 2 of 15

What can you expect from esophageal acid testing?

a tiny tube inserted into your esophagus for 24 hours

Esophageal acid testing involves inserting a small tube down your esophagus, which remains there for 24 hours while you go about your daily activities. This test measures how much acid travels into your esophagus during that time.

a small sample of stomach acid is taken from your stomach

minimally invasive exploratory surgery

Question 3 of 15

Esophageal acid testing is also called:

24-hour pH monitoring

An esophageal acid testing, also known as a 24-hour pH monitoring test, can determine what factors contribute to acid reflux.

Bernstein test

both of the above

Question 4 of 15

Who is most likely to receive an esophageal acid test?

someone with GERD symptoms but no esophageal damage

An esophageal acid test is typically done to rule out other health conditions that can mimic GERD symptoms. For this reason, people who have GERD symptoms but no esophageal damage are most likely to receive an esophageal acid test.

someone with severe GERD symptoms and severe esophageal damage

someone with inconsistent GERD symptoms

Question 5 of 15

What are you expected to do during an esophageal acid test?

Keep a GERD diary.

In order to determine the triggers of acid reflux, you will be required to keep a GERD diary during an esophageal acid test. This diary should detail what you eat, when you eat, any GERD-related symptoms and what you were doing when these symptoms occurred.

Avoid eating as much as possible.

Avoid doing exercise.

Question 6 of 15

What kind of discomfort should you expect from an esophageal acid test?

mild discomfort during and after the test

An esophageal acid test may be mildly discomforting. You may also continue to feel some discomfort after the tube is removed. Keep in mind, this test involves a small tube being placed into your nostril and down your throat for 24 hours.

moderate discomfort during and after the test

severe discomfort, including nausea, during the test

Question 7 of 15

A barium swallow assesses:

your lower esophageal sphincter

anomalies and defects in your esophagus

A barium swallow, also known as an esophagram or upper GI series, assesses anomalies and defects in your esophagus.

the acidity levels in your stomach

Question 8 of 15

A barium swallow involves swallowing a contrast solution and:

X-rays

In a barium swallow test, you will be asked to digest a contrast solution. Your doctor will then assess your upper gastrointestinal tract with X-rays.

an MRI

an EKG

Question 9 of 15

What are the side effects of a barium swallow test?

acid reflux and heartburn

constipation and chalky stool

Although there are no immediate side effects of a barium swallow test, you may later experience constipation and chalky stool.

high blood pressure and nausea

Question 10 of 15

What does a Bernstein test involve?

a catheter being placed into your esophagus

ingestion of a saline solution and an acid solution

both of the above

A Bernstein test, also known as an acid perfusion test, involves a catheter being placed into your esophagus. This is followed by inserting a saline solution and then an acid solution into your esophagus. During the test, you are asked whether you experience any symptoms.

Question 11 of 15

Who is most likely to receive a Bernstein test?

someone with severe GERD symptoms

someone with uncommon GERD symptoms

A Bernstein test helps determine if uncommon GERD symptoms, such as chest pain, are the result of acid reflux or other factors, such as angina.

someone with esophageal damage

Question 12 of 15

What are the side effects of a Bernstein test?

mild pain during the procedure

Inserting the catheter during a Bernstein test may produce mild pain. You may also experience pain or discomfort when the solutions are poured into your esophagus.

mild nasal discomfort and severe heartburn after the procedure

mild heartburn and constipation after the procedure

Question 13 of 15

During an upper GI endoscopy, your doctor:

will examine your esophageal lining

may take a biopsy of your esophageal lining

both of the above

An upper GI endoscopy involves placing a gastroscope down your esophagus. Using this scope your doctor can examine your esophageal lining and take a biopsy if s/he suspects Barrett's esophagus or an infection.

Question 14 of 15

Who is most likely to receive an upper GI endoscopy?

someone with untreatable GERD symptoms

someone with suspected Barrett's esophagus

both of the above

An upper GI endoscopy is usually reserved for people who have persistent GERD symptoms, suspected Barrett's esophagus, esophageal infection, or to rule out other conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease.

Question 15 of 15

What are the side effects of an upper GI endoscopy?

constipation and chalky stool

burping and sore throat

You may experience burping and a sore throat up to four days after an upper GI endoscopy.